$187,964Average Value$193Average Price per Sq Ft6Homes For Sale
Colorful murals throughout the community
Nestled in the heart of Des Moines, Watrous Heights is a thriving neighborhood that balances urban living and suburban tranquility. Just 6 miles from downtown, the neighborhood offers easy access to shopping, dining and parks, plus it's within walking distance of many schools." It is an all-around good middle-class neighborhood," says Jarod Snover, a local agent at Iowa Realty Mills Crossing who has been servicing the greater Des Moines area with 5 years of experience. Not all of the narrow streets are tree-lined but most have sidewalks for dog walks and evening strolls. Colorful murals brighten streets, like the one at the corner of Rose Avenue and SW 9th Street. It's important to note that residents experience noise from Des Moines International Airport, which is only 2 miles away.
Neighborhood comprises bungalows and ranch-style homes
While many Watrous Heights homes are midcentury bungalow and ranch-style, some older homes are also sprinkled throughout the neighborhood. Home prices are consistent, from $142,000 to $286,000. Lots are typically one-eighth acre or less, suitable for a small garden, and most houses have garages. "Homes do sell quickly here," says Jill Roghair, a Realtor with LPT Realty, LLC and West Des Moines resident for over 20 years. "It's because of the low price point and proximity to amenities."
Watrous Heights homes may vary in many ways, but all are alike with tons of trees and greenspace
Watrous Heights homes vary in styles and levels to fit every lifestyle.
Tudor homes are common in Watrous Heights which helps give it a unique charm.
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Bus route along SW 9th Street
Downtown is a 3-mile drive, and U.S. Route 69 runs parallel to the neighborhood. Des Moines Area Regional Transit (DART) bus stops can be found along SW 9th Street. Iowa Methodist Medical Center is nearby in case of emergencies.
Locals can pick up a Coney
Hy-Vee is nearby for groceries and essentials. From May to October, residents can drive 3 miles to the Downtown Farmers Market, which sells fresh produce, flowers and other local goods. Several eateries are located just outside the neighborhood. Sam's Fine Foods & Egg Rolls is a family-owned restaurant serving favorites like fried rice and Lo mein. Jim's Coney Island has been serving "Coney" hot dogs, burgers and chili since 1971. Francie's Bar & Grill` is a local watering hole serving classic pub grub and drinks. This sports bar offers a "nostalgic feel with great aesthetics," according to Snover. For special occasions, residents can drive 2 miles to Skip's, a high-end restaurant that's run out of a remodeled home and serves gourmet American cuisine. Fleur Cinema & Cafe is a quaint movie theater for art, independent and current films. It also hosts a cafe serving beer and house-made snacks.
Sam's Fine Food Egg Rolls in Watrous Heights is a local institution, as is Sam.
Watrous Heights residents can get their daily groceries at the nearby HyVee Grocery.
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Parks provide picnic areas and places for boating
Families can drive 2 miles to Sayers Park, which is west of the neighborhood and has an accessible playground, basketball and tennis courts, a wading pool, picnic tables and restrooms. Grays Lake Park, located along the Raccoon River, is a scenic space with expansive lawns, a playground, boat and bike rentals, and trails that wind along the water's edge.
Gray's Lake Park, just blocks away from Watrous Heights, is a beautiful lakeside park.
The Des Moines Biergarten at Water Works Park is just across the street from Watrous Heights.
Gray's Lake Park is a popular destination for many of Watrous Heights' avid cyclists.
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High school offers a strong athletic program
Des Moines Independent Community School District serves Watrous Heights and permits enrolled students to change schools. Young people can start their education at Park Avenue Elementary School and move on to Brody Middle School, both of which receive a C-minus rating from Niche. One of the largest high schools in Iowa, the C-rated Lincoln High School has a robust athletics department with a variety of sports to choose from.
South Union Elementary School proudly places its mascot above the doors to inspire students.
Brody Middle School provides opportunities for its students to help them perform their best.
Lincoln High School in Greater South Side prepares its students for college and beyond.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jason Rude,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Sayers Park
Basketball
Grills
Picnic Area
Jordan Park
Bike Trails
Grills
Picnic Area
Fort Des Moines Park
Bike Trails
Boating
Fishing
Irving E. Stone Park
Baseball/Softball
Picnic Area
Trails
Des Moines Water Works Park
Bike Trails
Fishing
Grills
Columbus Park
MacRae Park
Fishing
Grills
Picnic Area
Gray's Lake Park
Transit
Airport
Des Moines International
7 min drive
Bus
SW 9th St & Marion St, Dsm
Bus
SW 9th St & Trowbridge St, Dsm
Bus
SW 9th St & Mckinley Ave (Far-Side), Dsm
Bus
SW 9th St & Watrous Ave (Far-Side), Dsm
Bus
SW 9th St & Jarvis St, Dsm
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Watrous Heights
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Watrous Heights, Des Moines sell after 27 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Watrous Heights, Des Moines over the last 12 months is $190,632, up 4% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This updated home features a ton of recreational space including a huge front deck, a 4 seasons room with separate entrance, a long garage that could fit multiple cars. The kitchen features premium soft close cabinets that were assembled in IOWA! Quartz countertops, stainless steel sink, stove, and dishwasher with new fixtures throughout. The generously-sized living room leads you to 2 bedrooms
Charming & Affordable with room to roam! This recently updated 2-bedroom, 1-bath home offers comfortable living at an unbeatable price point. Inside, you'll find fresh updates that make it move-in ready, while outside, a huge yard with mature woods offers privacy, space to play, and that peaceful, tucked-away feel.The oversized 1-car garage provides extra room for storage, a workshop, or hobby
COMPLETE TEAR-OFF AND NEW PAPER, BOOTS, BOARDS + SHINGLES 4/7/25! Welcome to a very UPDATED, TURN-KEY South Side home ready for its new owner! TONS of NEW! NEW….LVP, paint inside & out, electrical panel, light fixtures, kitchen counter/sink/garbage disposal, bathroom new shower/toilet/vanity, storm doors, entry doors, Front to back, side to side, TONS of NEW! Upon entry, immediately you will
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jason Rude,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
2,473
Median Age
37
Population Density
8 ppl/acre
Population under 18
26.1%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
16.1%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$69,899
On par with the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$77,763
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
86.9%
College Graduates
16.2%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
6.2%
% Population in Labor Force
75.6%
Above the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
36''
Average Winter Low Temperature
14°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
45''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
37/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
41/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
31/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
